Breathe Out (Just Breathe, #2)(149)

“You two are soooo cute,” Jared sings.

When Joe releases my lips, I look to Jared and can see the pain in his eyes. “You okay?” I check.

“Yeah . . .” he huffs.

Wanting to help my friend, I suggest, “Why don’t we make your favorite popcorn?”

“Don’t tease me, Kitten,” Jared returns with a smile, perking up a little.

“I’m not,” I testify.

“Do you have the ingredients?” Jared checks.

“I should have some. Whatever’s not here, I can call Anna and she’ll bring them,” I mention.

“Anna? Anna who?” Jared inspects. He doesn’t give me the chance to answer. “You mean Anna, Joe’s maid?”


“Yeah. Why?” I ask.

Laughing, Jared states, “You have your lover’s maid on speed dial?”

“He’s not my . . .” my voice fails to say the word lover.

Jared cracks up. “And . . . you think you’re not in a relationship.”

“Out,” I command, not amused.

“What?” Jared inquires.

“Out,” I repeat. “Both of you.”

“What did I do?” Joe searches.

My eyes narrow. “Out.”

“You’re going to kick me out . . . during a sensitive time like this?” Jared accuses.

“Yes,” I confirm.

“Beautiful,” Joe coaxes.

“Don’t,” I command. “I want you out.”

“Bullshit,” Jared challenges.

“Don’t try me,” I press.

“She doesn’t mean it,” Jared claims. “She’s bluffing.”

“I’m not bluffing,” I say. “And, you’re drunk enough to make getting you out of here really easy for me. I’d barely have to do anything.”

“Joe will help me,” Jared announces.

“No, he won’t,” I argue.

“Don’t speak for him,” Jared states. “Joe’s allowed to talk for himself.”

“Well, if he and I are in a relationship ship like you claim,” I begin. “Then, I can speak for him. I can speak for the both of us.”

Jared chuckles. “Ha. So, you admit it.”

“Admit what?” I ask, looking back and forth between him and Joe, who are both smirking.

“That you and Joe are in a relationship,” Jared clarifies.

“Only for this instance,” I state.

“You can’t pick and choose when you are and aren’t in a relationship,” Jared claims.

“Yes, I can,” I counter.

“No, you can’t,” Jared rebuts.

“I’m a woman. It’s one of our rights,” I share.

Joe comes up behind me, placing his lips on my cheek. “I’ll take it if she’s offering.”

“I’m not offering anything,” I reply.

Joe chuckles, “We’ll talk about it later.”

“No,” I argue.

Joe gives me the stern, authoritative look. We have a battle of wits, staring intently at each other.

“So . . . how about that popcorn,” Jared recommends, changing the subject.

I choose to end the battle, happy that we’re at least moving on for the time being. Joe calls Anna, handing me the phone when I need to tell her the ingredients. The three of us don’t say much as we wait for Anna to arrive — like we’re not sure where to pick up from here with regards to our conversation. Jared snuggles with Sadie on the floor, playing with her to keep himself occupied while Joe helps me with the popcorn. The need to text Nathan is apparent, but my phone is with my purse, which is close to Jared. If I text anyone, he’ll know who I’m reaching out to and the last thing I want is a fight.

“Hey, Jared,” I call.

“Yeah, Kitten,” he returns.

“It’s ready,” I mention.

“Yay,” he half-heartedly cheers. He reaches forward, snagging a large, messy handful. “Mmmm.”

“How about . . . we watch a movie?” I suggest, trying to come up with anyway to help him recover.

“Which one?” Joe and Jared ask at the same time.

With a warm smile, I infer to Jared, “Your favorite.”

“Seriously?” Jared asks, perking up.

“Yep,” I encourage.

“Yes,” he cheers, grabbing the bowl and heading into the bedroom.

I rush to get my phone, text Nathan that Jared is with me, mentioning there’s a challenge and to wait for my next correspondence. Joe followed Jared and when I enter the bedroom, I stand, staring at the bed for a moment, trying to figure out how the four of us are going to fit — I mean, I know we’ll fit, it’s just — God, this is awkward. Joe takes his side that is closest to the door and Jared stands next to me since he got the movie ready.

“Do you think maid service comes this late?” Jared says with a playful tone.

“Why?” I inquire, not understanding him.

“To change the sheets,” Jared says with a smirk.

“You’re kidding me, right?”

“What are you two talking about?” Joe inquires.